West Chester University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

West Chester University has 10 executives leading key functions including financial strategy, information technology, and institutional leadership.

Committed to academic excellence and student success, West Chester University provides comprehensive public education across Pennsylvania through diverse undergraduate and graduate programs while fostering innovation in research and community engagement.

Leadership Roles at West Chester University

  • Chief Financial Officer - Jennifer Coffey
  • President - Ayden Berenstein
  • President - Laurie Bernotsky
  • President - Kevin Lowman
  • President - Mason Marchessault
  • Club President - Natalie Craig
  • President - Jennie Skerl
  • President - Brynn Winemiller
  • Chief Information Officer - Deke Kassabian
  • West Chester University of ... - Katherine Lonergan
  • Jennifer Coffey - Chief Financial Officer

    Jennifer Coffey, the Chief Financial Officer at West Chester University, manages the fiscal health and budgetary operations of this large public institution. Coffey directs the allocation of resources across five colleges and two schools to ensure alignment with the university's mission of providing accessible higher education. By overseeing long-term financial planning and capital investments, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of academic programs and infrastructure improvements. Jennifer Coffey collaborates with the board and administrative leadership to maintain institutional stability while navigating the complexities of state-funded education systems. Through rigorous oversight of financial reporting and compliance, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain 118 undergraduate and 103 master's degree programs. This leadership role involves optimizing operational efficiency to maximize the impact of tuition and state appropriations on student outcomes across the main campus and regional centers.

    Ayden Berenstein - President

    Ayden Berenstein, the President at West Chester University, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest institution within the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Berenstein focuses on expanding the university's research footprint and enhancing the quality of the four doctoral programs offered. By engaging with external stakeholders and state legislators, the President secures the resources necessary to maintain the institution's status as a comprehensive public university. Ayden Berenstein oversees the alignment of the five colleges and two schools with evolving market demands, ensuring that graduates remain competitive in their respective fields. This leadership role involves fostering partnerships that extend the university's reach beyond the main campus into regional professional sectors. Through the promotion of academic rigor and inclusive excellence, the President drives the institution toward its long-term goals of student success and community impact, maintaining a focus on the 118 undergraduate programs that define the university's core identity.

    Laurie Bernotsky - President

    Laurie Bernotsky, the President at West Chester University, leads the administrative efforts to enhance the university's reputation as a premier public institution. Bernotsky prioritizes the development of interdisciplinary studies, overseeing the School of Interdisciplinary and Graduate Studies to ensure curriculum relevance. By championing faculty research and student-centered learning, the President strengthens the academic foundation of the university. Laurie Bernotsky coordinates with the leadership of the Colleges of Arts and Humanities and Sciences and Mathematics to promote cross-departmental collaboration. This role involves managing the university's growth strategy, particularly regarding the expansion of graduate programs and online learning initiatives. Through the implementation of policies that support faculty development and student retention, the President ensures that the institution continues to serve as a vital educational resource for Pennsylvania. Bernotsky maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the university's resources are effectively utilized to support the diverse needs of the student body.

    Kevin Lowman - President

    Kevin Lowman, the President at West Chester University, manages the institutional culture and community relations that define the university's presence in the region. Lowman directs initiatives aimed at improving student life and campus engagement, ensuring that the university remains a vibrant hub for learning and personal development. By overseeing the School of Music and the College of Education and Social Work, the President supports programs that contribute significantly to the cultural and professional landscape of the state. Kevin Lowman collaborates with internal and external partners to promote the university's values of service and academic integrity. This leadership role involves addressing the logistical and social challenges of managing a large, multi-campus institution. Through the promotion of student-led organizations and community outreach, the President fosters an environment where academic achievement and social responsibility thrive, ultimately strengthening the university's connection to the broader Pennsylvania community and its diverse student population.

    Mason Marchessault - President

    Mason Marchessault, the President at West Chester University, focuses on the strategic expansion of the university's physical and digital footprint. Marchessault directs the development of new facilities and the enhancement of existing infrastructure to accommodate the growing student population. By overseeing the integration of the Philadelphia campus with the main campus, the President ensures a consistent educational experience across all locations. Mason Marchessault collaborates with the Board of Governors to align the university's growth with the goals of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. This leadership role involves managing large-scale projects that improve campus accessibility and technological capabilities. Through the implementation of sustainable practices and efficient space utilization, the President supports the university's commitment to providing a high-quality, accessible education. Marchessault ensures that the institution remains well-positioned to meet the future demands of students and the regional economy, maintaining a focus on long-term institutional viability.

    Natalie Craig - Club President

    Natalie Craig, the Club President at West Chester University, leads student-driven initiatives that enhance the extracurricular landscape of the university. Craig directs the activities of various student organizations, ensuring that these groups align with the university's mission of fostering leadership and community engagement. By coordinating events and programs, the Club President provides students with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in practical, social settings. Natalie Craig collaborates with university administration to secure funding and support for student-led projects that enrich the campus experience. This role involves managing the logistics of student organizations and promoting inclusivity across all fields of study. Through the facilitation of networking and professional development opportunities, the Club President contributes to the overall success and retention of the student body. Craig ensures that student voices are represented in the university's decision-making processes, promoting a vibrant and active campus culture that complements the rigorous academic environment.

    Jennie Skerl - President

    Jennie Skerl, the President at West Chester University, oversees the academic quality and accreditation standards of the institution. Skerl directs the assessment of the 118 undergraduate programs and 103 master's degree offerings to ensure they meet rigorous educational benchmarks. By working closely with the deans of the five colleges, the President maintains the integrity of the university's academic programs. Jennie Skerl leads efforts to enhance faculty research and scholarship, ensuring that the university remains a center for intellectual discovery. This leadership role involves managing the complex process of academic review and ensuring compliance with state and national standards. Through the promotion of excellence in teaching and learning, the President supports the university's mission to provide a comprehensive and transformative education. Skerl ensures that the institution's academic offerings remain relevant and competitive, preparing students for success in a rapidly changing global environment while upholding the university's long-standing tradition of excellence.

    Brynn Winemiller - President

    Brynn Winemiller, the President at West Chester University, manages the university's strategic partnerships with regional industries and community organizations. Winemiller directs the development of internship and career placement programs that connect students with professional opportunities in Pennsylvania and beyond. By fostering these relationships, the President enhances the value of the university's degrees and improves graduate outcomes. Brynn Winemiller collaborates with the College of Health Sciences and other departments to align academic training with the needs of the healthcare and public service sectors. This leadership role involves representing the university at regional and state-level forums to advocate for the importance of public higher education. Through the promotion of collaborative research and service-learning projects, the President ensures that the university remains deeply integrated into the community. Winemiller drives the institution's efforts to provide students with the practical skills and professional networks necessary for long-term career success.

    Deke Kassabian - Chief Information Officer

    Deke Kassabian, the Chief Information Officer at West Chester University, architects the digital infrastructure required to support over 17,000 students and faculty members. Kassabian drives the implementation of advanced learning management systems and secure data networks that span the main campus, the Philadelphia location, and online platforms. By modernizing technological resources, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless access to the university's 50 fields of study. Deke Kassabian coordinates with academic departments to integrate digital tools into the curriculum, enhancing the educational experience for diverse student populations. This role involves managing cybersecurity protocols to protect institutional data while fostering a culture of innovation in digital pedagogy. Through the strategic deployment of enterprise software and hardware, the Chief Information Officer ensures that the university maintains a competitive edge in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, facilitating efficient communication and research capabilities across all academic units.

    Katherine Lonergan - West Chester University of ...

    Katherine Lonergan, the West Chester University of ... at West Chester University, oversees specialized administrative functions that support the university's unique academic mission. Lonergan directs the integration of specific departmental goals with the broader objectives of the institution, ensuring that the College of Business and Public Management maintains high standards of professional training. By coordinating with faculty and staff, the West Chester University of ... facilitates the delivery of high-quality instruction across various business and public service disciplines. Katherine Lonergan manages the operational requirements of these programs, ensuring that students have access to the resources needed for career success. This role involves analyzing market trends to adapt the curriculum to the needs of the modern workforce. Through the effective management of academic resources and the promotion of professional development, the West Chester University of ... ensures that the university remains a leader in preparing students for impactful careers in the public and private sectors.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Colleges & Universities

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding West Chester University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads West Chester University?
    West Chester University is led by Jennifer Coffey (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Ayden Berenstein (President) and Laurie Bernotsky (President).
    Who is part of West Chester University’s executive team?
    The executive team of West Chester University includes leaders such as Jennifer Coffey (Chief Financial Officer), Ayden Berenstein (President), Laurie Bernotsky (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does West Chester University have?
    West Chester University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in West Chester University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of West Chester University includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, President, President, President, President.